Types of operator licence
There are three types of operator licence:
- Restricted Licence – for those who carry their own goods or materials in connection with their trade or business - this licence covers all transport operations in the UK
- Standard (National) Licence – for those who carry their own goods or materials in connection with their trade or business and/or carry goods for hire or reward - this licence covers all transport operations in the UK - someone in, or employed by, the company must hold a Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification
- Standard (International) Licence – same as above except this licence covers transport operations throughout Europe
Cost of a licence
If you apply for a Restricted or Standard licence, you must pay a one-off £254.00 application fee. If your licence application is successful, you will then have to pay a licensing fee of £449.00 which covers a period of five years.
| Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing fees | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Application fee for a licence GV(NI)79 or for a (publishable) variation (GV(NI)81) | 254 |
| Application fee for a Restricted Licence for own-account operators | 254 |
| Fee payable for the issue of a licence | 449 |
| Fee payable for the continuation of an existing licence | 449 |
| Fee payable for the issue of an interim licence or direction | 68 |
If you had an existing Standard (Hire or Reward) licence before 1 July 2012, you will need to apply for a new licence under the Goods Vehicles Act before the current one expires. You must pay the application fee of £254.00 when applying for your licence as well as the £449.00 grant fee. All fees are non-refundable.
Apply for a licence
To get a Restricted licence you will have to satisfy standards of fitness and finances. For a Standard licence you must show good repute, financial standing, establishment and professional competence. You must also advertise your operating centres, meet environmental standards and agree to a number of undertakings and conditions.
Change to financial standing from 1 January 2019
The law requires the Department for Infrastructure to be satisfied that goods vehicle operators have sufficient financial resources to run their businesses and maintain their vehicles properly.
On 1 January 2019 revised financial standing levels for standard national and international operator licences come into force. The rates are calculated annually based on the rate of exchange against the Euro (as at 1 October each year) as required under Regulation EC 1071/2009.
The levels have increased in 2019 because of a change in the rate of exchange for the Euro. The following sterling rates apply to new licence applications and applications to vary existing licences.
Standard Operator’s Licence
| For: | Previous rates | Rates from 1 January 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| First vehicle | £7,950 | £8,000 |
| Each additional vehicle | £4,400 | £4,450 |
Restricted Operator’s Licence
The rates of finance needed to support a restricted licence are not set by EC Regulations. From 1 January 2019 there is no change to the finance which must be available to support restricted licence applications and licences.
| For: | Rate |
|---|---|
| First vehicle | £3,100 |
| Each additional vehicle | £1,700 |
Once you have identified the type of licence you need you can use the new Vehicle Operator Licensing (VOL) system to:
- complete your application online
- receive help and support with completing your application (almost 90 per cent are currently incomplete when submitted, resulting in delays)
- wait less time for complete application decisions
- upload documents online, including bank statements
VOL online application
The new VOL system will make it quicker and more convenient for new and existing goods vehicle operators to apply for and make changes to their operator’s licence.
Operators and new applicants who use the new system will be able to:
- amend details (for example safety inspection provider)
- add, update or remove transport managers
- export vehicle data
- fill in application online (then print, sign & post)
- receive help and support with completing application (almost 90% are currently incomplete when submitted, resulting in delays)
- wait less time for complete application decisions
- upload documents online, including bank statements
Browsers required for using VOL
To use the new VOL service you'll need to have a modern and secure browser installed to access the new services and to make sure that we can protect your data.
You can use any of the following browsers:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 11
- Microsoft Edge
- Google Chrome 38 or later (52 or 53 recommended)
- Firefox 27 or later (48, 49 or ESR 45 recommended)
- Safari 7 or later
- Mobile Safari 7 or later
- Chrome Mobile 38 or later
If you’re not sure what browser you have you can check which version you use and update to one which will work with VOL by visiting What’s My Browser?
Before you start
You need:
- a debit or credit card to pay any fees
- your username and password if you’ve used the service before
How the Department for Infrastructure will use your personal data for the administration of goods vehicle operator licensing - Privacy Notice
You can register for the VOL service if you’ve not used it before.
Once your application has been processed you will be sent a letter with your reference number and requesting any additional information if required.
You must not drive a vehicle until you have a licence. If necessary you can apply to the DfI for an interim licence, which is awarded on a discretionary basis.
Forms and guidance
Other goods vehicle operator’s licence forms and guidance are available here:
Renew your licence
If you already have a current licence issued before 1 July 2012, you do not need to apply for a new one under the Goods Vehicles Act until your existing one is due to run out.
You will have to complete a licence checklist rather than a full application and pay the fee by the date your licence expires or you will no longer hold a valid licence.
Contact the DfI Central Licensing Office at least two weeks before the expiry date of your licence if you have not received the licence checklist or been asked to pay the fee.
Make changes to an existing licence
You can use the VOL service to check, change (vary) or update your goods vehicle operator’s licence. If you used the old self-service, sign in using the same details.
Make an objection, complaint or representation
If you wish to make an objection, complaint or representation about an existing Goods Vehicle Operator Licence holder or a current application you can do so using the guide below.
For further information about Operator Licensing requirements:
- telephone: 0300 200 7831
More useful links
- Driving for a living
- Practice Guidance and Instructions for Goods Vehicle Operators
- Goods Vehicle Legislation, Policy and EU Readiness
- An Introduction to the Transport Regulation Unit
- Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence advertisement
- Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence financial levels
- Undertakings required for a Goods vehicle Operator's Licence
- Regulation 29 Application to carry on the trade or business of the holder of a Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence
- Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing – Financial Statement Statutory Declaration
- Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence finance agreement
- GV(NI)72 - Application to transfer a Goods Vehicle Operating Centre - Schedule 1